Psalms 91:9-13

Those who trust in the Lord can rely on His protection. He will commission angels to watch over and protect His own. This is one of the passages in Scripture that reveals the existence and activity of "guardian angels" (cf. Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14). The writer was using hyperbole when he wrote that the believer will not even stub his or her toe (Psalms 91:12). Psalms 91:13 also seems to be hyperbolic. It pictures overcoming dangerous animals. God has given some believers this kind of protection occasionally (e.g., Daniel 6; Acts 28:3-6), but the writer’s point was that God will protect His people from all kinds of dangers.

Satan quoted Psalms 91:11-12 when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6). He urged Him to interpret this promise literally. However, Jesus declined to tempt God by deliberately putting Himself in a dangerous situation to see if God would miraculously deliver Him.

Jesus referred to Psalms 91:13 when He sent the disciples out on a preaching mission (Luke 10:19). Again, it seems clear that His intention was to assure the disciples that God would take care of them. He was not encouraging them to put their lives in danger deliberately.